Senior’s Teeth – As We Gracefully Age!

Since we were young, we always hear about how we should take care of our teeth. As we grow older, we begin to understand why we should be taking care of our teeth at such an early age. Maintaining good oral health habits is important most especially because unhealthy bacteria in the mouth can harm not only your teeth, gums, supporting bone, but they may also be associated with serious medical conditions. Studies have shown that infections in the mouth may be associated with stroke, heart disease, diabetes and other health problems that are common in the elderly. Here are some of the common oral problems that the elderly experience:

 

Toothaches

Heavily filled teeth or teeth under bridges and crowns may look sound, but the nerves in these teeth might eventually become infected. When this happens, the dead nerve tissue within the tooth might become infected and toothaches can follow. The ideal treatment for this problem would be root canal treatment in order to safe and retain your natural tooth.

 

Tooth Decay

Older people are often more vulnerable to tooth decay and this is possibly due to a preference for sweeter foods, a decrease in saliva flow and/or one’s manual dexterity with their oral hygiene. Another factor would be lack of access to dental treatment. Tooth decay is largely preventable by reducing the frequency and quantity of sugar consumption and, of course, proper oral hygiene. If an older person eats only 5 times a day and brushes with fluoride-filled toothpaste at least twice a day, it would be difficult for tooth decay to develop. Food grazing without rinsing in between brushing and flossing throughout the day is also bad as this means there is sugar and acid against the teeth all day long.

 

Broken Teeth

Decayed or worn teeth as well as old fillings break down and they often leave sharp ends that the tongue plays with. This can lead to tongue ulceration which can be very sore. If you are experiencing this, have Dr. Marvin Lean smooth off the sharp piece as soon as possible.

 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis (bleeding gums) is present in almost all mouths. Gum disease that causes a loose tooth, or bone loss requires treatment. Regular trips to Dr. Marvin Lean’s clinic increases the chances of having the level of gum disease assessed.

 

Did you know that ninety percent of gum diseases can be prevented by effective oral hygiene – this should include cleaning in between the teeth with dental floss. Food impaction can cause sore gums and flossing might prevent this.

 

These are just some of the dental problems that Senior’s may experience. Prevention is always better than the cure. A s we age, it is important that we take care of our oral health more. It is also a must to have regular trips to Dr. Marvin Lean’s office as this prevents your oral problems from worsening and developing into more complex conditions.

Oral Care in the Elderly

As we get older, several oral conditions that were not present when we were younger might develop. These are as follows:

 

*Dry Mouth – This can result from physical changes our body goes through as it ages. However, this can also be caused by certain medications. This increases the risk for oral disease since saliva helps kill bacteria and rebuild enamel.

 

*Gum Disease – Manual Dexterity issues, regular visits year round addressing travel issues to the office too.

 

*Root Decay – This is often accompanied by gum disease and might lead to an increased rated of decay as we age.

 

*Attrition – This is basically the wear and tear that many years of chewing and grinding has brought upon. When the enamel of our teeth wears down, the risk for cavities increases.

 

*Darkened Teeth – This is caused by a lifetime consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages. It might also be caused by the thinning of the outer enamel layer that lets the darker, yellower dentin show through.

 

*Loss Sense of Taste – Advancing age impairs the sense of taste. Medications, diseases and dentures also contribute to this sensory loss.

 

*Uneven Jawbone – This is caused by tooth growth and not replacing missing teeth, allowing the rest of the teeth to drift and shit into available spaces.

 

*Denture-Induced Stomatitis – This is caused by ill-fitting dentures and poor dental hygiene, as well as the build-up of the fungus Candida Albicans. This is the inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.

 

Proper Oral Care

Increase Oral Hydration

If you are taking any maintenance medications, ask your doctor if there is any substitute for your medication – one that doesn’t produce dry mouth. If this is not a possible option, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol as this tends to dehydrate the body. You may also chew a sugar-free gum.

 

Increase Fluoridation

It is best to switch to fluoride toothpaste. You may also choose to incorporate fluoride rinse into your daily routine. This helps in adding prevention of plaque build-up and reducing the bacteria in your mouth.

 

Avoid Tobacco

Tobacco, in any form, has been linked to an increased risk for mouth and throat cancer, as well as heart disease and other serious conditions. Chewing tobacco even leads to more decay as many tobacco formulations contain sugar.

 

Brush and Floss Regularly

Prevention is better than cure – this has never been truer when it comes to your oral health. Since the elderly tend to be at more risk for infections, it is essential that you adhere to brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.

 

Regular Dental Visits

The more you age, the more important it is to not miss out any medical or dental appointment. Dr. Marvin Lean and his team will help detect any oral diseases early if you are able to visit them regularly. This definitely helps in ensuring that your oral health is in an optimal state.